By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senator Grace Poe on Thursday cited the importance of print media in combating the spread of fake news, calling it a “bastion of accountability and responsibility” in a fast-moving digital age.
In a news release, Poe noted that while social media thrives on speed and virality, traditional print journalism upholds ethical practices, especially fact-checking.
“Print remains essential in media today because it is seen as a bastion of accountability and responsibility. Print media is trusted and can confidently brand itself as a guardian of truth,” she said.
She noted that print and broadcast outlets have proven more resilient to accusations of misinformation compared to digital news platforms and social media.
Poe, however, acknowledged the influence of digital platforms like Facebook and TikTok, saying these could shape public opinion, affect consumer behavior, and even sway election outcomes.
“What happens in the digital world affects those in the non-digital arena. Freedom of information and access to accurate and correct information are vital to a democratic state such as ours,” she said.
While social media platforms serve only as vehicles for spreading content, Poe pointed out that the responsibility for accuracy still lies with content creators – whether journalists, bloggers, or ordinary citizens.
Citing a 2023 global study by research firm Toluna, commissioned by the advocacy group Two Sides, she said the study found out that 71 percent of respondents believed reading printed material offered a deeper understanding of stories.
“Perhaps, print and digital media are complementary, not mutually exclusive. Print media’s virtues of depth, thoroughness, and trust can be married to the speed and wide reach of social media,” she said, adding that finding the balance and integration of both platforms would be best left to “competent minds.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Presidential Communications Office to help the government combat fake news. (PNA)
